One of the many great things about young players getting called up to the big club is seeing their genuine excitement about playing the Major Leagues, playing in Chicago, and playing for the Cubs. Over time, a “been there, done that” attitude develops, and it’s easy for fans to forget how exciting the big game is. Since we, as fans, live vicariously through the players, it’s nice not to forget.
Enter infielder Adrian Cardenas, 24, who was just called up to the big leagues for the first time yesterday. From ESPNChicago:
The proverbial kid in the candy store, Cardenas spent the afternoon taking in the old ballpark at Clark and Addison.
“It’s awesome,” Cardenas said. “The ivy, I pushed it a little bit and didn’t realize it was that thick. I tried to stick a ball in there to see what happens. I’m just a little overwhelmed. Anything I say right now would be cliché so I’ll spare you the clichés. But it’s great.”
Yes, Cardenas was every bit as “aw, shucks” as he sounded, smiling broadly at all times and not a bit self conscious over being so giddy.
“I didn’t even see the stadium until I was out here,” he said. “I couldn’t see it from far away. It kind of sneaks up on you and I thought that was pretty fun. Right in the neighborhood, that’s awesome. The seats on the apartment buildings, or lofts, that’s amazing.”
Wrigley Field is amazing. The Cubs are amazing. It’s all amazing.
That article is worth a read, because it leaves you with, well, just a good feeling about this enterprise of Cubs fandom. It’s fun to cheer for a guy like Adrian Cardenas.